LEATHERMAN tools

[Jstpssng]

I have a Leatherman which I picked up from a snowmobile trail... as I was going back to the truck to find something to use for opening a can of boundary paint. I bought a holder which also fit a mini Maglite and carried both for a while, but the tool was rather bulky. I also broke two of the screw drivers as they seem to be rather brittle.
About 3 years ago I bought a little Buck clip knife and started carrying that instead. It easily opens with one hand and I am lost without it. The Leatherman sits in the console of my pickup, and rarely gets used.

 

[Gee Ray]

I was a ceramic tile contractor and I was always in the new tract homes on the closing day. I always carried a Leatherman with me. The supers on the job would call for me and my Leatherman to fix this and that. A/C, plumbing, electrical all got their final touch from the tile man and his Leatherman. Saved the supers backsides several times.

 

[hslogger]

Differentstrokes for different folks

I've had a Wave from the beginning of time.Always have it on my person. quick fence work, screw driver, cut this cut that. combo pliers can't be beat when your tool box is far away.

 

[/pine]

I have a P4 Squirt...I probably use it more on my fingernails than anything although the pliers are great...

I use the awl for getting the crud from under my nails and I am always using the file to smooth off hang or ripped nails...got to take care of the lunch hooks...!

 

[jyoutz]

I have a Folding BUCK Knife: Hunter 110 - I love it, and use it several times daily. That frequency actually surprises me.

Though I have never previously considered this, I'm now thinking that a LEATHERMAN tool might be a nice addition to my daily pocket tools. I just have no idea what kind / model of Leathernan tool I should consider ... there are SO MANY options, it could be as difficult as buying your first tractor. What are the priority features on the leatherman tool, for general purpose while working around the property ?

Thoughts appreciated.

I like the pliers on the leatherman tool. Screwdrivers, knife, and saw blade. It is a handy tool when you’re doing chores outside or away from home and just have a minor use need for one of those tools. They’re also real handy for a fishing tackle box.

 

[Torvy]

I got a Micra as a gift from my nephews years ago. Smaller than my key fob and fits nicely on key ring. It came in very handy. So much so that my son 'borrowed' it.

A couple of years ago my kids replaced it with a Squirt. Same size as the Micra, but you only need to open it for the pliers. Knife, file, scissors, screwdrivers and bottle opener. The Micra is centered around the scissors and has a tweezer. The Scissors on the Squirt will not cut much, but they still come in handy.

Once I am out on my property full-time, I will get a bigger one to carry. Best gifts I didn't know I needed.

 

[newbury]

I have a Leatherman and a mini-Leatherman, plus several other clones. But about 2001 my wife bought me a Swiss Army Cyber-tool M when she was at the factory in Switzerland. That has been my go-to always carry knife since. My leatherman still gets used, but only when I anticipate needing bigger bits or pliers.
The phillips and torx bits were used frequently in repairing computers in the field prior to retirement.

It's got:

• FUNCTIONS: large blade, small blade, corkscrew, reamer/punch and sewing awl, can opener, screwdriver 3 mm, bottle opener, screwdriver 6 mm, wire stripper, bit case, bit wrench, female Hex drive 5 mm for D-SUB connectors, female Hex drive 4 mm for bits, key ring, toothpick, tweezers, mini screwdriver, pressurized ballpoint pen, stainless steel pin, pliers, wire cutter, wire crimping tool, scissors, multipurpose hook, bit slotted 4, bit Phillips 2, bit Phillips 0 (Pozidrive), bit Phillips 1 (Pozidrive), bit Torx 10, bit Torx 15, bit Hex 4, bit Torx 8

All in a small package. Not a tool for mending fences but great for anyone that has to get inside computers.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

I have a leatherette tool made in China, forged in Pakistan, that I got with a bicycle at a yard sale. I keep it in my tackle box in case my Zebco 202 gives me grief.

 

[Xfaxman]

I have some Leatherman, a Gerber and the Schrade with 21 functions: Schrade Tough Tool 21 Function Multi-Tool | Schrade
The Schrade is unique:

And the handles are comfortable and don't pinch my hand.

 

[alexpops]

I have a couple, and never use them. I carry a toolbox behind the driver's seat of my pickup, so where I am there are tools. I also have a house toolbox and of course there is the shop. They're like the Swiss Army knife - tries to do everything so doesn't do anything very well.

I'm in the same boat as Larry Caldwell. Have tried a few, & never found one I liked. The Needlenose are convenient, but I always found the handles uncomfortable. so ... a toolbox with dykes, needlenose & slip pliers a good pocket knife as well as a few different screw drivers & wrenches are always in my vehicles.

 

[Xfaxman]

My wife saw me taking pictures of the Schrade and asked why. I told her why, she went out to her truck and brought in her Swiss Tool and said to post it.

So here it is:

 

[Doughknob]

Go big or go home. Surge is their biggest. It works WELL. Pocket clip makes it almost unnoticeable even as heavy as it is.

Carry it and use it daily!

 

[dstig1]

Another vote on the Wave. Got mine last year and it is a nice time saver from having to walk to the tool box for simple stuff. Main uses are the knife, pliers and screwdriver on occasion. Should have done that years ago.

 

[scaredychicken]

I like the pliers on the leatherman tool. Screwdrivers, knife, and saw blade. It is a handy tool when you’re doing chores outside or away from home and just have a minor use need for one of those tools. They’re also real handy for a fishing tackle box.

that said, I should buy 2

xfaxman - good wifey, thanks for sharing photos

lots to think about, this is going to be fun

 

[Wagtail]

Well I just went a checked; I knew that it's a Gerber but there's no model/type stamped on it. I've had it for years and it's in a brown, tooled, leather pouch that is always on my work-pants belt. Over the years I reckon that I've had occasion to use every tool that's incorporated, but mostly the knife and the pliers.

It's one of those "I'm glad I have it when I need it" sort of tools.

 

[Aquamoose]

Wave since it was first introduced. Handy sucker and it’s always on my belt. Loved the smooth edges. From time to time, I’d browse the display cabinet at the local stores to see what’s new and each time, the Wave just continues to grow to be a classic.

 

[ruffdog]

This site describes each tool in depth, even some retired tools like my Wave original and Pulse. They even have used ones for sale.

SmartKnives-- Leatherman Tools

 

[ruffdog]

Check around....here is a nice used Wave for $25

Leatherman Wave multitool - tools - by owner - sale

 

[rontaki]

I'll second /pine on the Squirt P4. Fits in the watch pocket of my jeans, can take it everywhere except on an airplane. The small screwdriver is so useful, even good for screws on eyeglasses.
The pliers are very handy but fragile.
To bad Leatherman quit making them. The PS4 does not have the small screwdriver, I have no use for those. I stocked up on P4s on gummint auctions, confiscated from travelers.

For my big multitool needs, the SOG Powerlock fills the bill. It's pliers have gear reduction to multiply the force they can grip with. Puts the rest to shame.

 

[Paddy]

after 40 years I final had to retire my first one. Always had it on my belt. Even took it on business trips around the world.
the pliers got a bit too wanky. The new one has a lot more tools and locks the tools in position, so a major upgrade from basic model.

I used to carry a Buck 110 but it was redundant with Leatherman knife, so I stopped lugging it around. A long while I also had a 6 inch adjustable wrench in my pocket. That with the pliers stopped making trips back to the garage